Chapter 16 : Under the Mistletoe
When you have no light to guide you
And no one to walk to walk beside you
I will come to you
Oh I will come to you
When the night is dark and stormy
You won't have to reach out for me
I will come to you
Oh I will come to you
Sometimes when all your dreams may have seen better days
And you don't know how or why, but you've lost your way
Have no fear when your tears are fallin'
I will hear your spirit callin'
And I swear I'll be there come what may
Petunia Dursley of number 4 Privet Drive had been hustling around her house in Little Whinning since the early hours of the morning. Cookies were baking in the oven, Dudley was stringing popcorn – though more ended up in his mouth – and Vernon Dursley struggled to get his chunky legs up on the step stool to put the star on the treetop.
Everything seemed liked the normal Dursley Christmas vacation. TV's were blaring and all the food in the house had seemingly been consumed within one day of Dudley's return from Smeltings. And as far as the neighbors on Privet Drive knew, everything was exactly the same.
On this day however, Petunia hurried to put new sheets on the guest room bed and to clean the rest of the house so that no speck of dust would be found. The Dursley's were not going to be alone for this holiday. For the first time in five years Petunia and Vernon's nephew would be spending Christmas at home. Not only that, he was bringing home someone that Petunia had no idea ever existed; and though their guest was 'just as strange' as their nephew, she felt an unexplainable urge to make the house look better than it had ever been.
The arms on the clock in the kitchen seemed to race to 10:45. Every minute that brought them closer to this time sent the holiday cheer from moderate to dismal. There was no surprise that Vernon, above Petunia and their son, dreaded having two of 'their kind' in the house. There was no way of getting out of this one however, not that he hadn't tried.
When the big hand screeched itself to the nine, Vernon Dursley huffed as he put on his coat and hat. Petunia came rushing in pulling her jacket on quickly and throwing one in Dudley's direction. The three piled in the car and traveled to the place where they would pick up the ones whom the Dursley's felt were bound to ruin their entire holiday.
She was lying in his arms when her godfather returned. Unlike the reaction that had gotten more than 2 months ago the features on Sirius Black's face remained soft. "As happy as I am for you two, you must remember that Halle is not yet of age yet and you are her Professor." He stated.
Halle frowned but she knew he was right. Getting up she kissed Remus Lupin lightly on the lips, hugged her godfather, and headed back to her compartment.
The compartment of teens bore frowns as they arrived at platform 9 ¾. The shuffled off the train and saw their families talking, well, the Grangers and the Weasleys that is. Sirius and Remus walked the kids over, both with sullen looks upon their faces.
"You will write won't you?" Sirius asked the two kids.
"That's a stupid question." Harry replied to his godfather, his arm around Ginny.
Sirius hugged Harry and Ginny. "I'll see you two on Christmas. I believe Molly will be dragging us to the Burrow, Harry."
"No complaints here." Harry replied kissing Ginny on the forehead and giving her one last goodbye.
"Promise me that you'll behave." Halle said to her godfather.
"You're my niece, shouldn't I be saying that to you?" He stated placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Yes but you're the one who is bound to do something stupid." Halle said laughing as she hugged him.
When they let go, her eyes drifted to Remus. Without hesitation she hugged him, knowing that that wouldn't look that bad. She whispered something in his ear which caused a smile to burst on the werewolf's face.
"Ready Halle?" Harry asked frowning.
"Really Harry you make it seem like we're going to the depths of hell." Halle picked up her things and followed her brother.
"There they are." He stated, motioning to the three unhappily looking people. "Hello." Harry forced out as they finally were standing in front of them.
Harry moved slightly which caused Halle to come into better view. Petunia's face went ghostly white. "Lily?" She chocked.
"No, sorry. I'm Halle, Harry's sister." She replied giving Harry a slightly puzzled look.
"Well what are we standing here for, get in." Vernon piped up motioning to the car.
The two Hogwarts students trudged after pulling along their luggage. "Welcome to hell on earth." Harry whispered.
Harry was sure someone had imperiused the Durley's for the vacation was not hell on earth. He had surprisingly been allowed to sleep in and walked down yawning, realizing it was 11 o'clock in the morning.
The usual sound of the television echoed through the hallway. He peered into the living room and there sat Dudley and Halle watching a DVD of a muggle TV show.
"It can't be. You've gotta be wrong."
" I've checked it against all my other volumes. It's very real."
"Well, there's gotta be some way around it.
"Listen. Some prophecies are, are a bit dodgy. They're, they're mutable. Buffy herself has, has thwarted them time and time again, but this is the Codex. There is nothing in it that does not come to pass."
" Then you're reading it wrong."
" I wish to God I were! But it's very plain! Tomorrow night Buffy will face the Master, and she will die."
- -
Halle looked up and saw her brother. She smiled at him as he rubbed his eyes. Her attention immediately went back to the final scene of the episode.
- -
"I may be dead, but I'm still pretty, which is more than I can say for you."
" You were destined to die! It was written!"
" What can I say? I flunked the written."
- -
Halle got up and followed Harry into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of orange juice. She put the container back into the fridge and whispered something to him as she walked by. "See, prophecies are bullshit."
Harry smiled. Ever since he and Halle had arrived at Privet Drive things had been remotely tolerable. Aunt Petunia acted very oddly every time she came into eye contact with Halle, however this did not cause her to not be what Harry dubbed sickenly nice.
When Harry suddenly realized what day it was he eyed the clock as if looking at it would make the time go faster. Christmas Eve had finally rolled around and he had less than 24 hours until he would see Ginny.
He was interrupted from his thoughts by the playing a piano. It was a sound he rarely heard, though it was usually when Uncle Vernon was at work and Dudley was out with his friends. Peeking his head around the corner he saw his Aunt and his sister sitting on the piano bench.
Halle then began singing O Holy Night along with the piano. When they finished Petunia wiped tears from her eyes. "You sing like your mother." She whimpered out as she scurried out of the room and up the stairs. Vernon Dursley looked furious, Dudley looked confused, so Halle and Harry decided simultaneously to go upstairs as well.
"This has been one odd Holiday." Halle said as Harry closed the door to his room. Sandra laid curled in a big fluffy ball on the edge of Harry's bed. Though Halle had the guest room she and Harry would spend hours on end talking that she had spent most of her vacation sleeping on the floor or the chair or sometimes she kicked Harry out of his own bed. Eventually the two had found an old cot in the attic and cleaned it off. It was the most time the two had together since they met. Their conversations varied from things at school, growing up, and their parents. A word that was never in the discussions however was Voldemort. Though things were alluded to him, both knew that nothing would dampen the holiday more than speaking about the one who murdered their parents.
A light tapping sounded from the window. Hedwig was back from her flight with a letter attached to her leg. Sandra lifted her head up as Harry let Hedwig in. She gave a light meow as if saying hello and then proceeded to roll on her back and fall asleep in a contortionist position.
Harry opened the envelope that was written on by Sirius's handwriting.
–
Be ready at 11:59 tonight. I want you two for the ENTIRE Christmas day.
Sirius
-
The two immediately headed to pack their things when there was a knock on the door. "Come in." Harry said stiffly.
A red-eyed Petunia Dursley walked into the room carrying two boxes. She handed one to Harry first. He opened it to find an antique pocket watch in it. "That was your grandfathers. I was going to give it to Dudley, but I believe you will appreciate it much more."
Harry was flabbergasted. It was the first Christmas present from the Dursley's that was actually meaningful. "Thank you Aunt Petunia." Harry replied moving forward a little then giving her an awkward hug.
The next box she handed to Halle. "Your father gave this to your mother the first Christmas they were together. She never took it off. When we found Harry it was stuck on his blanket. I know she would want you to have it." Halle opened the box to find a delicate lily on a silver chain.
Halle took the necklace out of the box and placed it lightly on her neck. "I'll never take it off." She stated, tears gleaming in her eyes.
Aunt Petunia let out some sort of squeal and pulled the two of them into a hug. When she finally let them go she looked at Harry. "I would have given you something of your fathers however I don't have anything. I daresay that your Invisibility cloak is as much of your father as anything.
Before Harry could ask her how she knew about it she swept out of the room. The twins looked at each other. It had definitely been an odd holiday which could only get even better with their arrival at Sirius's for Christmas day.
At 11:59 pm the fire in the Durley's now open fire place extinguished itself and out slid a smiling Sirius Black. Halle had fallen asleep on the couch waiting while Harry was wide away. He gave his godfather a quick hug and jumped when the sound of another coming through the fire.
"Molly is trying to get me to dress up as the muggle Santa. Honestly, I'm no where near large enough for that." Remus stated before he was quickly hushed by the other two. He looked over and saw her sleeping on the couch. "I'll get her." He said and with one swoop scooped her into his arms. He reached in his pocket awkwardly and pulled out a handful of floo powder.
He turned and smiled at the two others that were behind him. "Well then shall we go?"
Harry grabbed his things as Sirius gathered up Halle's and the group traveled back to Grimwuld place.
She awoke to a hearty laugh and a warm fire. The smell of fresh baked cookies filled the air. Opening one eye she saw the familiar face of her brother on the end of the couch. She pulled her legs toward her to give him more room and the attention of the room immediately shifted onto her.
"Merry Christmas sleepyhead." Came Sirius's booming voice from the other side of the room.
Halle smiled as she looked around the room at all the glowing faces. "Happy Christmas everyone. Why didn't you wake me?"
"You looked so peaceful dear." Molly Weasley replied.
"Mmmm cookies." Halle stated eyeing the plate that lay on the coffee table. She got up and grabbed a cookie then headed to the kitchen to get something to eat. Just as she was entering she bumped into someone. "Oh sorry." She said quickly then looking into the face of who it was.
"Happy Christmas Halle." Said Remus, his face full of color.
"Ahem." Came a cough from behind them. Harry pointed up above the two.
"Harry dear I believe an exception can be made in this situation." Mrs. Weasley responded quickly.
"It's fine Mrs. Weasley." Halle stood on her tip toes and lightly pecked Remus on the lips.
"I'm actually going to take a rain check on the cookie and head for bed." She stated.
"I'll show you to your room." Sirius started to get up.
Remus motioned for him to sit down. "I'll show her, you enjoy yourself."
Her eyes widened as the stepped onto the landing and began down the hallway. It wasn't as she had remembered it. A spell at made the house contain many more rooms than usual. When they reached the end of the hallway Remus lead her to the room on the right. "This room will always be here since this is your home now."
The room was dimly illuminated by the enchanted ceiling. Like the Great Hall at Hogwarts, it looked like the night sky. However this one showed the moon. She smiled and looked at Remus. "Sirius did it. Thought the moon would well. . ."
"Remind me of you?" She finished his sentence.
He smiled slightly as she walked over to light a candle. She turned around and a gleam of light from her neck hit his eye. "What's that?"
She subconsciously placed her hand over her necklace. "My Christmas gift from Aunt Petunia. It was my . . ."
"Your mothers yes I remember that quite well. James gave it to her 7th year. He got it on one of our Hogsmead trips. She never took it off." Remus finished.
She looked at him oddly, feeling the same feelings she had the night they broke up.
"Your mother was one of my best friends Halle. She helped me through the hardest times. She made me see that the werewolf doesn't make the man." Lupin explained. "Something that I had forgotten, until I met you." He paused shoving a hand in his pocket. "Which reminds me, it's Christmas so I can give you your present now."
"Remus you didn't have to get me anything." Halle replied.
"I know, but I wanted to." He responded. "Come on sit down." He motioned to the bed.
Halle sat down and waited for Remus to do the same. When he didn't she tried to pull him down as well. "Aren't you going to sit?" She asked.
"Sort of." He replied.
She saw his hand shaking a little bit and a light perspiration start to form on his head. "Are you okay?"
He nodded. "I'm fine, just a bit nervous."
Halle giggled. "You don't have to be nervous around me."
Remus smiled, taking her words in and letting them calm the werewolf that stirred inside. "I can't give you much. I'm not a wealthy man, once a month I'm not even a man at all. What I can give you is all the love that you'll ever need and happiness."
"I know that Remus." She stated.
"Good because, well," he stuttered. 'Get a grip on yourself man.' He told himself. "Halle," and he did it, the motion he had been so afraid to do. Bending his knee he knelt in front of her. "Will you marry me?" He pulled a box out of his pocket and opened it towards her.
Halle gasped at the beautiful ring he held before her. Two small diamonds embraced a larger one on the silver band. She looked up at him into his questioning eyes. "I can't think of anyone else I'd rather be with. Of course I'll marry you."
He leapt off the floor and jumped on top of her covering her mouth with his. Pulling her up with him they sat up and he took the ring out of the box and slipped it on her finger. "It's so beautiful Remus."
"You're so beautiful." He replied capturing her lips once more. He laid himself against her and he gently pushed her flat on the bed. He heard the closing of the door and pulled away and looked at her. Laying next to Halle's hand was her wand. "Did you lock it too?"
"In more ways than one." She replied mischievously.
Turning around Remus saw that her dresser was now blocking the door. He turned his attention back to her. "I love you."
"I love you too Remus." She replied pulling his head back towards hers.
He let a moan escape as their kiss intensified. She looped her fingers in his belt loops and began playing with the hem of his pants. He pushed back the hoodie that lay over her tank top. Pulling away he looked into her eyes. "Are you sure?"
Halle nodded. "I'm sure."
"Because if you're not ready it's fine I mean I can wait lo. . ." She interrupted him.
"Remus would you shut up and make love to me already." Halle replied.
She didn't need to tell him twice. He let the werewolf inside of him take control.
A half hour later they lay underneath her covers and their scattered clothes. "I didn't hurt you did I?" Remus asked tightening his arms around her.
"No, Remus it was perfect, everything was perfect." Halle responded. "Remus, are we going to tell people about us?"
He thought for a moment. "Yes. The last war everyone got married fast. No one really took notice of the ages, races, nationalities."
"The power he does not possess is love." Halle whispered. She yawned and snuggled herself closer to him.
"So when do you want to get married?" He asked.
"As soon as possible. After this term. I'm not going back to Hogwarts next year. Harry and I talked about that over break." She explained.
"Halle your education is important." Remus insisted.
"And so is staying alive." She yawned again. "How many kids do you want."
"But what about me being a werewolf?" Remus asked.
Ignoring his question Halle continued talking this time in a half asleep mumble. "I'm thinking two or three."
He waited for her to speak again but instead he heard her breathing slow and her body relax. Remus Lupin lie awake watching the bewitched ceiling full of stars wondering whether or not they would make it through the war in order to have children.
A/n : I hope you didn't find this chapter too cheesy but this is what I wanted to happen. Next chapter will be focusing in Ginny and Harry and Hermione and Ron. It's very important that I firmly establish these relationships, you will all soon see why. The song from the last chapter was DHT "Listen to Your Heart".